R2D2 is Not Just for Star Wars Anymore

The constructivist mindset toward instructional design provides us with the R2D2 Model.  R2D2 looks at Reflective, Recursive, Design and Development that can provide one of the ways constructivism can be applied to instructional design.

There are three principles that make up R2D2.

• Recursive means that you will encounter and address the same issues in learning over and over again. Recursive is almost like repetition but in a non-linear fashion. There is no set progression of tasks to be completed and they may occur at any point and be completed in any order. Being recursive is about revisiting tasks and items over and over again in an attempt to reevaluate them and make revisions. (A Recursive, Reflective, Instructional Design Model Based on Constructivist-Interpretivist Theory, p. 12)

• Reflection provides for the ability to start with a vague outline of a task and then fill in the details as you go. This is a collaborative and cooperative experience that allows for the creation of a shared vision and outcome. In the end they work to create a shared vision that may not have existed in the beginning, but develops over time. This reminds us that ID is a living process that changes over time due to the input of others involved in the development process. (A Recursive, Reflective, Instructional Design Model Based on Constructivist-Interpretivist Theory, p. 12)

• Participation is about involving designers as the participants rather than simply as outside observers. Participants come with areas of expertise and specialized training that are important in the ID process. (The Maturing of Constructivist: Instructional Design: Some Basic Principles That Can Guide Practice, pg. 12)

R2D2 is really more of a set of guidelines instead of rigid and demanding procedures.  It is a model for which to follow, but does not require you to be exact when implementing it.   Within these principles, R2D2 gives users focal points.  These focal points are non-linear and the model suggests that users with work on the three focal points throughout the model at any point.  These focal points are define, design and development, and dissemination.

• Define- this relates to the focus of the design. In R2D2 focus starts blurry and then becomes more clear as the design is defined. 
• Design & Develop- this is where more of the action in R2D2 happens. Design and development happen together. During this the selection of a development environment, media and format selection, evaluation procedures, and product designs and development happens.
• Dissemination- this focal point is the final product and implementation of the model. The R2D2 model does not suggest using materials immediately but to adapt and implement along the way to fit the context. This also can mean learning new methods of implementation along the way.

R2D2 is just one option for how to best implement constructivist ID.  It is one of the most radical and requires a large amount of buy-in from the users of this option.  Teachers must change their effort and allow for greater group participation, as would any alternative ID model.